Job Description
FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES
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Research study on impact of the 25% women's quota system on Local Governance in Sri Lanka.
Partnerships for Municipal Innovation - Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL)
Identify the impact of the 25% women's quota system on Local Governance in Sri Lanka.
Consultancy
1 or team
English
5 weeks
Commensurate to Local Rates for Assignment and Expertise National Project Coordinator, PMI-WILL project
Background
The Partnership for Local Innovation - Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) is a $27,610,160 project with a financial contribution of $26 million from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and $1,610,160 of in-kind contributions from FCM. The project aims to improve the quality of life of women and girls in five countries: Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Zambia. It has two intermediate outcomes: increased participation by women in these five countries, particularly those from marginalized groups, as leaders and decision-makers in local governance; and increased effectiveness of local governments in targeted countries in delivering inclusive gender-responsive public services.
To achieve these outcomes, FCM will engage with a network of stakeholders in each country and benefit from the contributions of Canadian municipal experts. Key interlocutors in each country will include local governments (LGs), Local Government Associations (LGAs), civil society organizations (CSOs) that work directly on women's needs, political parties, and national authorities including ministries responsible for local government and women's issues, and local government training institutes. Through Memorandums of Understanding, sub-agreements and contracts, FCM will implement the project in collaboration with LGAs, Women's Rights Organizations (WROS), and other local service providers.
Objective of Assignment
Sri Lanka introduced a 25% quota system for women's representation in Local Councils to promote gender equality and women's participation in decision-making processes in 2016. This initiative was implemented to address the historical underrepresentation of women in local governance structures. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of the 25% women's quota system on local councils in Sri Lanka which highlights the institutional outcomes and societal benefits.
Evaluate the level of women's engagement in local governance bodies, particularly focusing on transparency and accountability in council services following the implementation of the quota system.
Investigate the impact of increased female representation on decision-making processes, policy formulation, and service delivery priorities, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusive governance at the local level.
Explore the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of various stakeholders, including former mayors, former elected officials (both male and female), Commissioners of LG, local council staff, community members, and civil society organizations, regarding the effects of the quota system on local governance dynamics.
Provide evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the quota system and advancing gender-responsive and inclusive governance practices.
Scope of Work
The research will cover all provinces in Sri Lanka, encompassing the following key areas:
Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, reports, and studies related to women's representation in local governance in Sri Lanka and globally.
Identify key themes, trends, and gaps in the literature regarding women's participation in local governance and the effectiveness of quota systems.
Analyze the evolution of gender-related policies and initiatives in Sri Lanka and their impact on women's representation and empowerment in local governance.
Examine real-time case studies showcasing the influence of women politicians on the decision-making processes within councils and the delivery of services.
Compare and contrast similar initiatives implemented in other countries to gather insights into best practices and lessons learnt.
Data Collection: Collect qualitative and quantitative data, including surveys interviews, and focus group discussions, from relevant stakeholders such as Former Mayors, Chairpersons, former elected members, (both men and women), Senior Local Government Administrators (i,e. - Commissioners of LG), Local Council staff, and any other relevant stakeholders.
Data Analysis
Perform quantitative analysis to assess trends and changes in women's representation in local governance bodies before and after the implementation of the quota system.
Conduct qualitative analysis of interview and focus group data to identify emerging themes, challenges, and success stories related to women's participation.
Explore the relationship between the presence of women representatives and the adoption of gender/socially inclusive policies within local councils.
Assess the impact of the quota system on decision-making processes, policy formulation, and service delivery in local governance structures.
Investigate the correlation between the number of women representatives and positive outcomes for women in terms of access to services, resource allocation, and community development initiatives.
Report Writing: Prepare a comprehensive research report detailing the findings, analysis, and recommendations based on the research objectives.
Key Deliverables
The main deliverables of the assignment:
Inception Report: A detailed plan outlining the research methodology, data collection tools, and work plan.
Draft Research Report: A comprehensive draft report presenting the research findings, analysis, and preliminary recommendations.
Final Research Report: A finalized research report incorporating feedback received on the draft report, including executive summary, methodology, findings, analysis, recommendations, and annexes with supporting data.
Timeline
The full assignment to be completed by 30th of July, 2024
Financial Requirements
Application process
Please submit a costed proposal (no more than 5 pages excluding CVS) indicating the consultant's previous relevant experience, the approach that will be used for the assignment, a work plan, the level of effort and daily rate and list of people who will work on the assignment (if you are team) with their CVs to the following.
Chadini Ramanayake, National Project Coordinator (PMI-WILL) - [email protected] Federation of Sri Lankan Local Govnt. Authorities - [email protected]
Deadline for applications is May 3rd, 2024
